A mentor for the mentors; that’s the strategy that underpins Mitcham Primary School’s successful Professional Experience Program for pre-service teachers. In partnership with Flinders University, the school currently has 11 pre-service teachers onsite, which means almost half of their permanent teachers are mentors.

‘When a teacher reaches a certain level of experience the school’s expectations are that they are ready to mentor a beginner teacher,’ says Assistant Principal Lexie Anderson. ‘Our teachers are then supported by our own mentor, Assistant Principal Sue Blight, who acts as a liaison between our teachers, the student teachers and Flinders University.’ This partnership, while providing Flinders University students with a supportive placement, also gives Mitcham teachers valuable mentoring experience and a chance to keep up with the latest in teacher education. ‘Overall the students coming through have been fantastic, especially the mature aged students ,’ said Ms Anderson, ‘the only issue is that the practice of teaching is so vital that we believe students require more opportunity to practice in the classroom and be a part of the school community earlier in their course than they currently get. It almost needs to be like an apprenticeship system.’

Professional learning opportunities

Education on the Square presents Building networks and communities of the future. This presentation will look at experiences of professional networks, look forward to online spheres of connection, and how communities of practice can be developed and accessed online to give customised and personalised professional development. Flinders Uni, Victoria Square Level 2, Corner Flinders St & Victoria Square, Wednesday 7 September, 5.30pm – 6.30pm. Free. Email ace@austcolled.com.au.

Learning 4 All present: Re-thinking the protection of students through the promotion of social and emotional health in online and offline social media. Monday 12 September, 9am-3.30pm, The Highway, 290 Anzac Highway, Plympton. Click here for more information.

The Hartley Institute together with Andrell Education is holding a one day Big Write & VCOP conference on Thursday 8 September for kindergarten to year 8 teachers. At the Hartley Institute, 23 Dequetteville Terrace, Kent Town, 9am – 3.30pm $275pp. More details can be found here.

The Australian Association of Special Education SA is holding How to differentiate: Content process product at Adelaide High School on Thursday 8 September. The workshop will run from 4.15pm – 7pm with light refreshments provided; $40 for members, $50 for non-members. Book here.